It’s Inauguration weekend and Washington, DC is filled with any and everyone from celebrities, politicians, tourists and Inaugural Ball attendees. This weekend there’s always somewhere to go. From parties, to balls, to galas. and people are getting prepped and dazzled for one of the biggest events of the year. My husband is a photographer and was able to shoot the Inauguration Balls this weekend, and there was so much excitement in the air. I was inspired by a photo he took of Katy Perry, in a style she knows best. She wore American flag shorts and bustier, along with her luminous skin and that statement Katy Perry red lip. She dazzled the audience and I want to help you recreate the look!

First as Katy always does, it’s important to have clean, flawless, luminous skin. To achieve the look of beautiful skin I love Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation. It’s a weightless, illuminating base that targets shadowy areas and highlights and contours the face. It evens out the skin and imperfections while giving you the most amazing glow. It moves effortlessly on the skin, and blends down to a nice dewy finish.

Next, I always love a strong bold eye. For all the ball goers, nothing does glam better than a smokey eye. Not just any smokey eye though, it needs to stay put. Urban Decay has you covered, with their 24/7 Eyeshadow Stick. This is a crease-proof, waterproof shadow, that’s easy to apply and blends down to a beautiful shimmer and creamy sparkly finish. Layer it a few times and you will have the best smokey eyes ever!

Nothing brings that the eyes better than a great pair of false lashes. I believe, the bigger the better, so I love Model 21’s 43+45 lashes. They are dense, dark and very full lashes. If they are too much for you just separate them and wear just one layer. But believe me, you will turn heads when you wear them.

No look is complete without blush. It’s the one element that brings the face together, especially when a pop of color is needed. I always go for a coral/pink shade because it pretty much compliments any skin tone. My new favorite blush is IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain. It’s amazing and unlike any powder blush I’ve tried before. This blush actually leaves a stain behind even when it wears away. It is truly revolutionary, and we all need cosmetics with lasting power. It’s good for your skin with vitamins and antioxidants, and it gives it the best glow!

Last but not least, to complete the look we need a strong statement lip. There’s no other way to achieve this than with a red lip. Yes, red turns heads and we need to be noticed at events like Inaugural Balls. Tom Fordis here to save the day with his gorgeous, luxurious lipsticks. If you dare, try Tom Ford’s Cherry Lush, which is the perfect red for almost any skin tone. It is highly pigmented and has the perfect balance of luminosity.